One of the main attractions of the island of Sicily is the volcano Etna. For a long time, Etna is a mystery for volcanologists: the eruption of this volcano can not be attributed to any of the known types. More precisely, its eruptions united all three types: from Etna flow flows of hot lava, clouds of volcanic gases and ash, and all this is accompanied by explosions. In addition, the eruption can occur both through the central crater, and through the side, scattered on the slopes of the mountain.

600 000 years ago on the place of Etna was the sea bay, eruptions began on its bottom, as a result of which a volcanic cone rose from the sea: Etna built itself and became the highest volcano in Europe.

Life near the volcano

These scientific facts made it possible to paint in the tourist brochures all the horrors of life near the volcano, but in reality everything is not so terrible .Anyway, in the description of the terrible eruption of 1667, when more than 20,000 people allegedly died, and the city walls of Catania were demolished, for some reason it is not mentioned that before Catania lava came only a month after the eruption began, and eyewitnesses do not confirm human victims .So, the reputation of Etna as a volcano-killer is greatly exaggerated, and for all time there are only 77 documented victims of the eruption of this volcano .

Of course, life in the immediate vicinity of the volcano is associated with certain risks, but it has its pluses. It is the volcano and the products that it spews, the soil on the slopes of the mountain and at its foot is due to its fertility. On the slopes of Etna grows a unique vine, giving black grapes. It is from it that the famous wine is made, which you can taste in Sicilian restaurants.

Its amazing taste, according to experts, is due to the presence in the soil of volcanic ash and products of the decomposition of volcanic gases.
The eruption of the volcano Etna

Etna for tourists

Each eruption of Etna is not just a natural phenomenon of interest to scientists, it is a kind of show that attracts many journalists and tourists to Sicily. Eruptions are given to journalists for colorful dramatic reports, and tourists can see with their own eyes that the destruction and disasters that this phenomenon engenders are not so great and catastrophic as journalists write.

Etna is an interest for tourists and in a relaxed state. Due to its uniqueness, the area around the mountain is declared a natural biosphere reserve. To ascend, and even reach the central crater, you can in various ways, including yourself. But in this case it is recommended to take a trusted local guide.

The fact is that on the slopes of the mountain there are from 400 to 600 side craters, which manifest activity in an unpredictable order. Unfortunately, until now there are no accurate maps showing these craters, therefore independent climbing is associated with a risk of suffering from volcanic activity.

Any of the three common routes on which tourists climb Etna will give a vivid idea of ​​this unique natural site.

Volcano Etna, Sicily Etna
Mount Etna
Walk along the edge of the crater, Etna, Sicily Etna
Walking along the edge of the crater
Etna, height 3000 m, Sicily Etna
Etna, height of 3000 m

Routes by Etne

The southern route includes the delivery by a regular shuttle bus from Catania to the Rifudjo-Sapienza base, which is at an altitude of 1,900 meters, then a cable car ride to the La Montagnola base (2,500 meters) and a pedestrian (or quad bike) transfer.

The eastern route starts from the village of Zafferan and leads to Rifujo-Sapienza, and the northern one passes through the small towns of Piedimonte-Etneo and Linguaglossa, and leads to the base of Piano-Provencano .The northern route passes along a picturesque slope covered with various mountain flowers, the landscape here is beautiful and attractive .The southern slope is covered with frozen lava, the landscapes here are not so picturesque, but you can see in detail how the frozen lava looks like .I must say that the southern route is more popular with tourists, and, due to this fact, it is usually very crowded .

Souvenirs from Etna

Having visited the volcano, many people try to take with them not only photographs (by the way, it is necessary to photograph Etna in the morning, in the afternoon it is usually covered with fog) and memories, but also some authentic souvenirs .In addition to traditional magnets and plates with species, it is worth paying attention to products made of lava stone .It can be various simple trinkets or trinkets, and there may be items of interior decoration decorated with intricate ornaments, landscapes, genre pictures .The spread of prices is very high, because the painting on the lava stone is one of the art crafts in Sicily, which are not only occupied by artisans, but also by recognized artists .And, of course, an excellent gift from the slopes of the famous mountain will be a great local wine, the taste of which is formed by complex processes that take place deep in the bowels of our planet .